Chapter 53

A map spread wide in the center of the cabin.

As I gazed at it, Vice-Captain Lemain, Navigator Samir Rolonu, and I were lost in thought with cold expressions.

“The Benessa crew… looks like they’re really serious about this. I didn’t expect them to get this involved over such a piddly issue…”

“According to the information gathered from the merchant ships, it seems that large warships are currently gathering at the Island of Sicilia. Starting with Benessa, then the White Shark from the Brittania Empire. Recently, there are also reports of warships being sent from the Kingdom of Frantz.”

“Mm…”

My subordinates’ words filled with concern made me focus on the Island of Sicilia marked on the map.

It was a place just about three days away from where we were, Creta.

Not exactly a short distance, but we couldn’t take it too lightly since it was possible they might move as soon as their gathering was complete.

Just from what was visible, over 30 ships of their fleet were converging in our front yard.

And considering that the primary force was Benessa, whom we had brutally defeated a month ago, the implications were clear.

They were intending to have a solid showdown this time.

If we were just an ordinary pirate crew, we might have hunkered down on a nearby island or small port for a while, waiting for the enemies to tire of looking for us and give up.

As pirates, there was no reason to engage them.

Fighting would only incur losses without gaining much.

However, this only applied to small to medium-sized pirate crews.

As the Pirate King, I had no intention of letting enemies who dare to target us go unchecked.

For the sake of the Pirate King’s authority,

And to ensure that they wouldn’t dare rise again by crushing them this time.

Besides… even if that weren’t the case,

There were unavoidable reasons for me to engage in this war.

“For now, let’s contact all the pirates in the Mediterranean area. We can expect at least 20 ships to come, even with the smallest numbers.”

“Understood.”

“And Lemain, gather more intelligence on the enemy. The navy of the Kingdom of Frantz is particularly unknown to us, so pull together as much information as possible.”

“Got it. But it’s going to require a considerable budget, so keep that in mind.”

“And if you get caught while slacking off, I’ll hang you on the display board this time, so just remember that.”

“Che…”

After hastily dividing tasks, I stared silently at the map with a cold expression.

Other factions were a concern, but what gnawed at me the most was the fleet of the Kingdom of Frantz that had recently arrived.

At this point, Frantz was the place most likely to harbor transgressors.

If they sent their ships to hunt me down, it meant that considerable power was likely included.

There was a chance that several player characters from the original work could be participating.

If they were determined to level up, I couldn’t rule out the possibility of running into monsters at levels 9 to 11.

‘I’ll have to accept some damage…’

Yes, but this could also present an opportunity for me.

The player characters from the original work were all specialists in land battles,

And it’s well known that the navy of the Kingdom of Frantz lacks in strength.

The fact that such folks had come onto my home ground, the sea, was a chance for me to either weaken them or wipe them out completely.

‘This is good… I had planned to crush them decisively if an opportunity arose anyway. Since this is the case, I’ll thoroughly annihilate you bastards!’

Though they had the numerical advantage, if I rallied the pirates, we could engage in the battle with an even force.

However, that didn’t mean I intended to face them head-on.

When forces clash, the likelihood of casualties was inevitable.

As someone who prioritizes my subordinates’ safety,

Even if I were to secure victory against the worst enemies, it would mean nothing if over half of my crew died or were injured in the process.

Even if I were to win, if the losses were severe, under some circumstances, it might be better to let it go.

However, I did come up with a viable method regarding this.

One that could minimize our damage while maximizing that of the enemy…

‘With more than 30 warships from different factions gathered in one location, there’s bound to be some chaos. Just a little luck on our side could change everything…’

*

Finally gathered in one place, the allied forces.

40 warships with around 7,000 soldiers, a sight rare even on the continent; their leaders began formulating battle plans on the Island of Sicilia.

“The Pirate King is gathering forces near Creta. The expected total power is around 20 to 30 ships. They’re clearly signaling they won’t avoid the fights we’ve brought.”

In a calm voice, Achroiel spoke.

At that moment,

Fleet Admiral Pierre of the Kingdom of Frantz smiled broadly and said, “Ha ha! So it’s just 20 to 30 ships? That’s hardly worth considering. Our total strength is a whopping 40 ships! We have no reason to lose!”

“!…”

“…Hmm.”

“Ho ho…”

Achroiel maintained a momentary silence at Pierre’s words, while the Blue Queen of the Blue Shark began to show a bewildered expression. Not to mention… even Elise just smiled lightly.

Moments later, the three of them exchanged glances, then nodded simultaneously, just discreetly enough for Pierre not to catch on.

And.

“Sure, that’s right. No matter how much of a Pirate King he is, our warships number a substantial 40. With this kind of force, we should be able to overwhelm them without any trouble.”

“Warfare is a matter of force balance. With us having the upper hand, we’re much better off. That’s the truth.”

“There’s no need to overthink it; we can boldly charge straight in, break their lines, and claim victory.”

The remaining three actively supported Pierre’s statement.

In response, Pierre felt a rush of excitement and said to the three of them, “Indeed! Everyone here thinks like me! This means we don’t need to drag this out. We can set sail immediately…”

“Of course we want to do that, but let’s calm down for now.”

“The White Shark just arrived this morning. The subordinates are utterly exhausted. They need at least a few days of rest.”

“Ha ha, my sincerest apologies. We were just on our way from far-off Congo, and everyone has worn themselves out coming here.”

“Tch… So weak! The enemy is right in front of us, and you want to rest? In this situation?”

Fleet Admiral Pierre expressed deep dissatisfaction at Elise’s apology.

With victory all but assured, he was filled with thoughts of crushing the enemies and getting a taste of sweet loot as quickly as possible.

And to him, Elise replied in a voice filled with regret, “I’m truly sorry. You’ve supported the Kingdom of Frantz with considerable strength, yet this happened. In that sense, as a gesture of apology, I would like to offer you the vanguard, Admiral… would that be alright?”

“Me? The Vanguard for… our Frantz navy?”

“Uh…”

“Wait a minute, Elise, who said you could decide that important position? The vanguard should rightfully go to our Benessa, who orchestrated this operation…”

Achroiel urgently protested against the sudden turn of events.

However…

“Saying you want to dash out first to hog all the loot? I already know all that.”

“The strength of Benessa is the largest. We would merely be supporting players. Opposing the vanguard.”

Elise and the Blue Queen firmly opposed her stance.

The two then looked at a slightly dazed Pierre and said, “For that reason, I would rather have Fleet Admiral Pierre take the vanguard.”

“I agree. A suitable scale. Not excessively powerful.”

“…Ha…ha.”

The two rogue pirates from Brittania were actively pushing for Pierre to take the vanguard.

Achroiel, while expressing her frustration, found herself at a loss for words.

No matter how strong his force, this made the voting 3:1.

Watching her effort to suppress her anger as she took her seat, Pierre realized he was now exuberantly boosted by being chosen for the vanguard.

“Fine, if that’s the way it is, then I shall take the vanguard.”

With a great effort, Pierre suppressed the urge to grin broadly as he made his decision.

At the same time, he thought to himself.

Lately, he was surely favored by the goddess of fortune.

From being a little-known admiral in the previously peaceful Cala Port, he unexpectedly became the naval commander of the kingdom.

This stroke of luck he had not anticipated nor expected had dropped down from the skies.

And his streak of good fortune didn’t end there.

The subsequent enormous support from Duke Ocleang and many nobles rapidly expanded the naval forces under Pierre’s command.

By refurbishing the previously neglected warships and recruiting new soldiers, the navy of the Kingdom of Frantz gradually turned into a fleet capable of putting up a decent fight.

Pierre, who had gone from an idle admiral of a tranquil port to the head of a dazzling fleet in an instant, could hardly contain his excitement at this stream of good fortune hitting him like a wave.

Being the vanguard meant facing the enemies first and having the greatest opportunity to achieve merits.

There was a reason that renowned generals made every effort to take the vanguard.

Especially in a battle like this, where victory was almost guaranteed, being in the vanguard was a goldmine opportunity.

‘Just like pumpkins rolling down the vines… who would have thought such a moment of luck would come in my life? Great, I’ll seize this chance to gather everything. The Pirate King’s head, along with all his treasures!’

With deep joy, Fleet Admiral Pierre let a confident smile spread across his face.

Meanwhile, the other three felt genuine gratitude towards him.